Ear Surgery

Also known as otoplasty, ear surgery is performed to reshape and resize large, protruding or oddly shaped ears. When performed by a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Mark Murphy, the outcome of this delicate procedure is an overall appearance that’s considerably more natural, attractive and balanced.

When to consider ear surgery

If you’re embarrassed or self-conscious because of your ears, you may want to consider otoplasty as a corrective procedure. In general, we recommend this surgery if you possess:

Protruding ears

Overly large ears

An unattractive or unsightly ear shape

Ears that are disproportionate or asymmetrical

A consultation with Dr. Murphy leaves patients fully knowledgeable about their options. Schedule your consultation today to start on the road to facial rejuvenation.

What to expect during ear surgery

Prior to your procedure, you will have a private consultation with Dr. Murphy in his Palm Beach Gardens office. During that meeting, he will carefully evaluate the way your ears relate to your other facial features, and he’ll talk to you about your goals for surgery. He will then counsel you on your expected results and discuss potential risks, complications and aftercare with you. He’ll also answer any questions you have about the procedure and make sure that you’re completely comfortable with his surgical plan before scheduling your operation.

Typically, otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia for adults and teens, while younger children tend to be safest with twilight anesthesia. After the anesthesia, Dr. Murphy will begin the procedure by making a precise incision behind each ear to expose the cartilage. Through that opening, he will carefully sculpt excess cartilage and soft tissue to create a smaller and more discreet structure. Once he has created symmetrical ears that blend in with your other facial features, he will reposition them so they rest more closely to the sides of your head, before closing the incisions

Once the procedure is complete, Dr. Murphy’s patients are free to return home the very same day to begin the healing process.

Ear Surgery Before & Afters

Recovery

Fortunately, there is a fairly simple and easy recovery period associated with ear surgery. Right after the procedure, your head will be wrapped in bandages to protect your new ears. These bandages will remain in place for the first one day, at which point you’ll be instructed to replace them with a headband that has been approved by Dr. Murphy. Throughout this initial recovery period, it’s important to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling and avoid any rigorous activities to ensure a smooth healing process.

After about a week, we will have you return to our office so Dr. Murphy can evaluate your progress and make sure you’re healing as expected. At that point, he will remove all of your sutures. Depending on the individual and their unique anatomy, the wearing of the headband will continue during the recovery period to hold your ears in their new positions until healing is complete.